§ 10. Mr. Wellbelovedasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the terms of compensation payable to dependent relatives of officials of his Department who lose their lives as a result of terrorist activities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeWidows of members of the Diplomatic Service who lose their lives in these circumstances would receive, in addition to the normal death gratuity and widow's pension, a special allowance under the Injury Warrant, 1965.
May I exceptionally take this opportunity to say how delighted 1 am, as I am sure is the whole House, at the safe return of Mr. James Cross.
§ Mr. WellbelovedI am sure that we all agree with what the right hon. Gentleman says about the safe deliverance of Mr. Cross. Will he bear in mind that Government representatives of this country in foreign parts are entitled not only to decent terms of compensation but to adequate security? Will he agree that the policy on Africa being pursued by the Government is more likely to put our representatives at risk than to keep them in safety?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeNo. I do not think that I would agree with that but would devote myself to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. We are very concerned about the security of our diplomatic representatives in all circumstances in any country, and we will do all we can about it and study with great care the compensation which they would get in cases of accident or injury.
§ Mr. MartenWould the Foreign Secretary convey to the Government of Canada the thanks and admiration of this House for the way they have behaved?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeWe have conveyed to them the thanks of Her Majesty's Government here and I think the House would wish the House's thanks to be conveyed, too.